Missed chances don't worry McGlynn

John McGlynn praised his Hearts players despite them wasting numerous chances against Livingston

Hearts boss John McGlynn praised his side's attacking endeavour despite seeing them pass up a series of excellent chances against Livingston.

An entertaining affair in the Scottish Communities League Cup saw the Edinburgh club run out 3-1 winners, with goals from Danny Grainger and a Marius Zaliukas brace cancelling out a Mark McNulty strike.

However, the scoreline could have been more handsome for the hosts, who were profligate against their visitors from West Lothian.

Arvydas Novikovas missed one glaring chance, spooning over from under the crossbar, and fired wide when through on goal. Similarly, Callum Paterson and Scott Robinson passed up opportunities to find the net, ensuring a more nervous finish than the balance of play perhaps merited.

Nevertheless McGlynn is enthused to see his side creating a multitude of chances, even if, on this occasion, many went begging.

He said: "It could have been far more comfortable for us and 3-1 doesn't reflect the true superiority we had in the match. But I would rather be missing chances than not creating the chances. At least we are in those positions.

"I would love for everyone to take every opportunity they are presented with, but I don't know a player alive that scores every chance."

Livingston manager John Hughes found one notable bright spot from the encounter in Gorgie as he picked through the bones of his side's defeat.

The former Hibs manager singled out Stefan Scougall, 19, for particular praise after a tidy performance against Scottish Premier League opposition.

He said: "You don't like to single people out, but I believe we had the best player on the park in Stefan Scougall. I thought he was absolutely outstanding. He has been carrying a knock and we have tried to protect him this week, but he played and I would pay money to watch him."